What do you think?
Rate this book
Guardians of the Race #3
Guardian's Joy
Running from an unknown past... JJ Justice has spent her adulthood lost and alone and vulnerable to the haunting of a past she can't remember. It's no wonder she feels different from other people and not surprising that she chose the police force as a way of standing up for others who are defenseless against the evils of the world, but when her only friend and partner is brutally murdered by a creature not of this world, JJ discovers a greater purpose. She is called to hunt the monsters only she can see. Once again, she resigns herself to living her life alone, because the one thing she knows for sure is that letting people in only causes pain. Guardian of the Race, Bernardo ad Tormeo, longs for a woman of his own, one that's as fun loving and loyal as his Liege Lord's Lady, Grace, and as soft and gentle as his fellow Guardian's mate, Hope, but the chances of meeting such a woman seem slim to none. What with the nightly patrols and his gaming business, he hasn't the time to go searching for love. Nardo is sworn to protect his people and their human cousins from the demons who cross over from the Otherworld. He never thought he would be hunting a vampire; just like he never thought of falling in love with a leather clad ex-cop who can kick demon butt with the best of them. How do you romance a woman who thinks more of knives than roses? How do you help her fight the demons of her soul when she can't remember who they are? Nardo doesn't know, but he's determined to find out. He only hopes he and his new love can find the answers before a monster from Joy's past takes away the only woman he will ever love.
348 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2012
14 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Rhoades
24 books340 followersJacqueline, known as Jackie to her friends, lives in rural southern Ohio with one lovable husband, one spoiled dog and one disinterested cat. She believes coffee is a food group and therefore necessary to survival. She always has a pot brewing. When not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in someone else's book or working in her garden. She also spends a great deal of time chasing deer and rabbits who apparently also like gardening.
Jackie loves hearing from her readers and is always willing to chat. She can be reached through her website, http://www.jacquelinerhoades.com/ or at jackie3049@gmail.com
Jackie loves hearing from her readers and is always willing to chat. She can be reached through her website, http://www.jacquelinerhoades.com/ or at jackie3049@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 20, 2013
Rhoades has taken the idea of the paranormal and what is ‘accepted’ as paranormal and shaped it to create something that is completely her own. The world of the Guardians of the Race is one that is fully developed to the extent that you feel like it truly does exist and that these individuals could really be living on your block. Rhoades’ phenomenal storytelling skills along with her solid grasp of the English language combine to create a world that you not only visualize but also visit during the time that you read this tale.
Rhoades melds vividly intricate descriptions with allusions to create a solid setting for her story. By creating this world she roots her readers firmly in this novel that they won’t be able to put down. She feeds all of your needs throughout. It’s fun, exciting, enjoyable, awe inspiring, suspenseful, and above all, romantic.
Although each story in this series can has a main character/couple, the rest of the ‘family’ remains front and centre in the story. I really love how all of the lead characters may be of 1 of 2 races, thus bringing them together with a commonality, but it is who they are that keeps them together. Although on the surface each of the stories in this series are similar – a Guardian of the Race and a Daughter of Man become a couple – each story is as unique as the couples themselves. Each person is vividly real and extremely unique. The female lead in this instalment is a very standout individual who contrasts with the male lead. They are true proof that opposites attract in the most explosive of ways.
Rhoades doesn’t simply tell this story, she creates an escape from the everyday for her audience. This story is complete in and of itself but definitely follows from the previous novel in the series and leaves you wanting more. My suggestion? Read it!
Rhoades melds vividly intricate descriptions with allusions to create a solid setting for her story. By creating this world she roots her readers firmly in this novel that they won’t be able to put down. She feeds all of your needs throughout. It’s fun, exciting, enjoyable, awe inspiring, suspenseful, and above all, romantic.
Although each story in this series can has a main character/couple, the rest of the ‘family’ remains front and centre in the story. I really love how all of the lead characters may be of 1 of 2 races, thus bringing them together with a commonality, but it is who they are that keeps them together. Although on the surface each of the stories in this series are similar – a Guardian of the Race and a Daughter of Man become a couple – each story is as unique as the couples themselves. Each person is vividly real and extremely unique. The female lead in this instalment is a very standout individual who contrasts with the male lead. They are true proof that opposites attract in the most explosive of ways.
Rhoades doesn’t simply tell this story, she creates an escape from the everyday for her audience. This story is complete in and of itself but definitely follows from the previous novel in the series and leaves you wanting more. My suggestion? Read it!
Read
December 5, 2014Joy and Nardo's story was fascinating
Joy was a beat cop who recently quit the force after her partner was killed by a demon. She is a tough and brave woman who hunts demons alone, relying on some special gifts. Joy has no idea why she has these gifts. Joy meets Nardo, a Guardian, while she is demon hunting. Joy is injured and taken to the Guardian's home. This book's storyline was intriguing, another book I could not put down. Why is Joy different from the other Daughters of Man? Who is hunting her? Why is there an increase in demon activity? Fascinating book, and I have not even touched on the relationship between Joy and Nardo. This is a romance, and I very much enjoyed the unfolding of the relationship between Joy and Nardo and the difficulties they must deal with.
Joy was a beat cop who recently quit the force after her partner was killed by a demon. She is a tough and brave woman who hunts demons alone, relying on some special gifts. Joy has no idea why she has these gifts. Joy meets Nardo, a Guardian, while she is demon hunting. Joy is injured and taken to the Guardian's home. This book's storyline was intriguing, another book I could not put down. Why is Joy different from the other Daughters of Man? Who is hunting her? Why is there an increase in demon activity? Fascinating book, and I have not even touched on the relationship between Joy and Nardo. This is a romance, and I very much enjoyed the unfolding of the relationship between Joy and Nardo and the difficulties they must deal with.
April 3, 2014
JJ Justice has spent her adulthood lost and alone and vulnerable to the haunting of a past she can’t remember. It’s no wonder she feels different from other people and not surprising that she chose the police force as a way of standing up for others who are defenseless against the evils of the world, but when her only friend and partner is brutally murdered by a creature not of this world, JJ discovers a greater purpose. She is called to hunt the monsters only she can see. Once again, she resigns herself to living her life alone.
Guardian of the Race, Bernardo ad Tormeo, longs for a woman of his own, one that’s as fun loving and loyal as his Liege Lord’s Lady, Grace, and as soft and gentle as his fellow Guardian’s mate, Hope, but the chances of meeting such a woman seem slim to none. What with the nightly patrols and his gaming business, he hasn’t the time to go searching for love. Besides, he’s seen too many matings that didn’t work out.
Nardo is sworn to protect his people and their human cousins from the demons who cross over from the Otherworld. He never thought he would be hunting a vampire; just like he never thought of falling in love with a leather clad ex-cop who can kick demon butt with the best of them.
How do you romance a woman who thinks more of knives than roses? And how do you help her fight the demons of her soul when she can’t remember who they are? Nardo doesn’t know, but he’s determined to find out. He only hopes he and his new love can find the answers before a monster from Joy’s past takes away the only woman he will ever love.
### Review
*Once again the secondary characters where great... added a lot of depth and humor to the story*.
- ***The Jeep Diva***
*...another exciting and wonderful storyline in Jacqueline Rhoades' Guardians of the Race series. - ***The Reading Cafe***** ** ***** **
### From the Inside Flap
Books by Jacqueline Rhoades
Guardians of the Race Series - PNR The Alpha's Mate Series - PNR
Guardian's Grace The Alpha's Mate
Guardian's Hope The Alpha's Choice
Guardian's Joy The Alpha's Daughter
Hidden Mountain - Contemporary Romance
Preston's Mill
October 18, 2012
I believe it was Stephen King who said, 'Good books don't give up all their secrets at once.' And Guardian's Joy is a good book that definitely follows that motto. The two leads in this book are Joy, JJ, and Nardo who are both very different from the leads in the previous two books. Nardo was quick to fall for JJ and knew she was meant to be his, he just needed to convince her of it. Joy comes to the Guardian house with a huge hole in her memory that hides a dark and troubled past. With the help from the other women in the house we slowly learn what has happen to JJ and why she finds it so hard to let Nardo in. We also have different villains in this book, of course there are still the demons, but we are also introduced to a dark element in the Paenitentia society who are bent on destroying the Guardians. Of course the supporting cast of characters are all there and we get to see the goings on of past lead couple's lives. It was a good book and I am really enjoying how this world is growing more and more complex. I look forward to the next title, while Faith is getting better I want to see how she ends up with her happily ever after.
May 23, 2014
OMG! This is great! What a page turner! It's getting better and better as the series goes along!
What a marvelous story and so much mystery and action! Love all the characters in this series! I feel like I know them all... I like when I know who's talking without being told, because they have their own "voice" and way of speaking.
Joy is my kind of lady! Each of the females in this series have their own style and they each are so different and yet so loveable! The storylines just keep getting more and more interesting with each new book! I'm surprised this hasn't become a movie yet! This would be so much fun to see on the big screen!
Love the action and love scenes! Great stories!
What a marvelous story and so much mystery and action! Love all the characters in this series! I feel like I know them all... I like when I know who's talking without being told, because they have their own "voice" and way of speaking.
Joy is my kind of lady! Each of the females in this series have their own style and they each are so different and yet so loveable! The storylines just keep getting more and more interesting with each new book! I'm surprised this hasn't become a movie yet! This would be so much fun to see on the big screen!
Love the action and love scenes! Great stories!
November 24, 2014
The Guardian of the Race series keeps living up to expectations in each book. I am sorry it took me so long to get to the third. I enjoyed Nardo and Joy's story just as much as the others. I likes Joy character because of her ability to defend herself in her adult years, her toughness, not so girly girl. Of course all the men in the series sound yummy and manly yet can be over protective at times. I most enjoy the growing of the family of the house, they are not all blood related but they having become a family that has each other's backs at all times.
Read
November 4, 2015Heart pounding!
OMG, my heart is still pounding. This is a superior book. I can't believe the highs and lows it takes you on. A real rollercoaster ride. Nardo and Joy have a wonderful story. My favorite so far in the series. We get to see Grace and Canaan. Hope and Nico. The twins were just as entertaining as they were in the last 2 books. I LOL and cried in spots. The suspense is very exciting. I can't wait for the next book. What are you waiting for, get your copy NOW! From a true Fan... Pam James. P.S. I really loved this book!
OMG, my heart is still pounding. This is a superior book. I can't believe the highs and lows it takes you on. A real rollercoaster ride. Nardo and Joy have a wonderful story. My favorite so far in the series. We get to see Grace and Canaan. Hope and Nico. The twins were just as entertaining as they were in the last 2 books. I LOL and cried in spots. The suspense is very exciting. I can't wait for the next book. What are you waiting for, get your copy NOW! From a true Fan... Pam James. P.S. I really loved this book!
January 4, 2013
Dear Jacqueline Rhoades! Please write faster!
This is another solid installment in a great series. I was given the first book in the series free as a request to review it and I have since bought books two and three because I enjoyed the first so much. I'm happy to say that nothing has changed with this the third book. More interesting and solidly thought out characters introduced.
I can't wait for the next installment.
Tammy
This is another solid installment in a great series. I was given the first book in the series free as a request to review it and I have since bought books two and three because I enjoyed the first so much. I'm happy to say that nothing has changed with this the third book. More interesting and solidly thought out characters introduced.
I can't wait for the next installment.
Tammy
March 30, 2013
5 stars! Great book. The author left me wanting...needing more. Oh it was a perfect combination. It made laugh and swoon and smile. As always...Dov and Col were funny as hell. I laughed so much. Love you boys. Need book 4 now!
October 9, 2013
Looking forward to next book! Mrs Rhoades is one the best authors of day!,,
August 31, 2013
4.5 stars
December 6, 2014
Love this kick ass but soft lady, loved this book
September 14, 2017
Fun to listen to
June 9, 2025
best of the series, not a simpering fool
October 1, 2012
GUARDIAN’S JOY (Guardians of the Race #3) by Jacqueline Rhoades
GUARDIAN’S JOY is the third storyline in Jacqueline Rhoades Guardians of the Race series.
Some background: The Guardians are of the Race, with superior strength and speed, descended from Gabriel who are on earth to protect the humans and guard the portal, ensuring the demons do not cross the barrier. When a Guardian dies and his heart still remains within his chest, he is changed into vampire, and must be destroyed before the blood rage consumes. The women in the storyline are the Daughter’s of Man and the descendants of one of the original matings. All males of the Race are born with a tiny red tear drop over their left chest muscle. When they mature, the lilies bloom (it is not a tattoo). When they are initiated into the Guardians, the skull and tears appear. Once they are mated, a rose will bloom with the lilies. A white rose for a mated pair, a red rose for a blood bond pair.
Guardian’s Joy focuses on Joy JJ Justice, a cop who recently tendered her resignation following the death of her partner. Joy has a special ability to ferret out ‘demons’ and vampires, and takes it upon herself to track the evil beings. But on the night in question, JJ will find that she is overpowered by a demon and the man who is trying to help, believes she has killed an innocent victim. When the demon poison takes hold, Joy will find herself alone and slowly dying from an infected scratch.
Bernardo “Nardo” believes he has found his mate in JJ. With her ability to call forth a power, the other women in the Guardian House believe she is a Daughter of Man, but JJ only knows that her mother believed her to be a witch. Without the benefit of knowledge, JJ was placed in a commune with others of her ‘kind’. But it is the missing memories that continue to haunt when she is unable to remember the past and the Guardians will discover that Joy is something much more.
Canaan’s Guardian House was losing money. Their finances were a mess and an investigation would reveal that someone was skimming from the outside. Meanwhile there were drained bloodless bodies of young female Paenitentia discovered throughout the city, 14 missing male Paenitnetia and the rumors of a blood-lust vampire were on the rise. Upon further bloodshed and investigation the Guardians would discover the resurrection of an ancient brotherhood from the past breeding hybrid vampires and demons. But Joy’s past will catch up when she recognizes those in power hoping to bring a new breed of Guardian into the world.
Nardo and JJ’s relationship is very slow to build. Injured and fighting the demon poison will find JJ in bed recovering for a period of time, and Nardo’s ill-timed declaration that JJ ‘is mine’ raises the young woman’s hackles and screams ownership. She is determined never to place herself in the position again. She has issues of trust and it would a long time before she felt she could trust anyone ever. But it is her ‘tattoo’ that will have everyone wondering what it means to the House of the Guardian.
GUARDIAN’S JOY is another exciting and wonderful storyline in Jacqueline Rhoades’ Guardians of the Race series. I like Jacqueline’s ability to blend the previous storyline characters into each successive novel, and it doesn’t hurt that everyone lives together in the same house. There is bound to be plenty of interaction. Dov and Col continue their puppy-like antics much to the chagrin of their Lord Leige, but like every patient parent, the household women become protective of their little cubs. And another positive aspect of Jacqueline’s series, she includes much of the Guardian’s backstory and history with every novel, which helps the new readers to the series.
see all of my reviews: thereadingcafe.com
GUARDIAN’S JOY is the third storyline in Jacqueline Rhoades Guardians of the Race series.
Some background: The Guardians are of the Race, with superior strength and speed, descended from Gabriel who are on earth to protect the humans and guard the portal, ensuring the demons do not cross the barrier. When a Guardian dies and his heart still remains within his chest, he is changed into vampire, and must be destroyed before the blood rage consumes. The women in the storyline are the Daughter’s of Man and the descendants of one of the original matings. All males of the Race are born with a tiny red tear drop over their left chest muscle. When they mature, the lilies bloom (it is not a tattoo). When they are initiated into the Guardians, the skull and tears appear. Once they are mated, a rose will bloom with the lilies. A white rose for a mated pair, a red rose for a blood bond pair.
Guardian’s Joy focuses on Joy JJ Justice, a cop who recently tendered her resignation following the death of her partner. Joy has a special ability to ferret out ‘demons’ and vampires, and takes it upon herself to track the evil beings. But on the night in question, JJ will find that she is overpowered by a demon and the man who is trying to help, believes she has killed an innocent victim. When the demon poison takes hold, Joy will find herself alone and slowly dying from an infected scratch.
Bernardo “Nardo” believes he has found his mate in JJ. With her ability to call forth a power, the other women in the Guardian House believe she is a Daughter of Man, but JJ only knows that her mother believed her to be a witch. Without the benefit of knowledge, JJ was placed in a commune with others of her ‘kind’. But it is the missing memories that continue to haunt when she is unable to remember the past and the Guardians will discover that Joy is something much more.
Canaan’s Guardian House was losing money. Their finances were a mess and an investigation would reveal that someone was skimming from the outside. Meanwhile there were drained bloodless bodies of young female Paenitentia discovered throughout the city, 14 missing male Paenitnetia and the rumors of a blood-lust vampire were on the rise. Upon further bloodshed and investigation the Guardians would discover the resurrection of an ancient brotherhood from the past breeding hybrid vampires and demons. But Joy’s past will catch up when she recognizes those in power hoping to bring a new breed of Guardian into the world.
Nardo and JJ’s relationship is very slow to build. Injured and fighting the demon poison will find JJ in bed recovering for a period of time, and Nardo’s ill-timed declaration that JJ ‘is mine’ raises the young woman’s hackles and screams ownership. She is determined never to place herself in the position again. She has issues of trust and it would a long time before she felt she could trust anyone ever. But it is her ‘tattoo’ that will have everyone wondering what it means to the House of the Guardian.
GUARDIAN’S JOY is another exciting and wonderful storyline in Jacqueline Rhoades’ Guardians of the Race series. I like Jacqueline’s ability to blend the previous storyline characters into each successive novel, and it doesn’t hurt that everyone lives together in the same house. There is bound to be plenty of interaction. Dov and Col continue their puppy-like antics much to the chagrin of their Lord Leige, but like every patient parent, the household women become protective of their little cubs. And another positive aspect of Jacqueline’s series, she includes much of the Guardian’s backstory and history with every novel, which helps the new readers to the series.
see all of my reviews: thereadingcafe.com
September 19, 2012
3.5 stars
Joy Justice (JJ) has had a rough life. She doesn’t have anyone that she can count on and when she meets Bernardo ad Tormeo (Nardo) she doesn’t think she can trust him much less love him. As she learns about Nardo and the Guardians of the Race she discovers things about herself and her past that could come between her and her future.
Nardo has watched his Liege Lord and fellow Guardian Nico find their mates and he wants nothing more than to find a woman of his own. When he meets JJ he finds her strength and honor compelling and quickly falls for her. As he fights through the barriers her past has erected he discovers a love that he has only imagined.
I really enjoyed the role reversal in this story. Nardo falls for JJ quickly and has to convince her to give him a chance and believe in him. JJ has blanks in her memory and they cause her to have panic attacks and not trust what Nardo says and how he acts. He has to work extra hard to earn her love. I liked the fact that Nardo didn’t shy away from his feelings for JJ and was up front with her from the beginning that he wanted to be with her. On the other hand, once you learn about JJ’s past and learn more about her, it’s understandable why she is resistant to the idea of being in a relationship with anyone.
Once again the secondary characters where great. They added a lot of depth and humor to the story. I am loving the little pieces we get of the couples from the past books. I like to see how their lives have progressed. I will say that I was surprised by how much time had passed for the characters. It is mentioned in this book that it had been two years since the Liege Lord mated and his was the first book. It isn’t really relevant to this review but I was just surprised that so much time had passed. But given the developments in this story with the Liege Lords funds and other events, that passage of time makes sense. I am very intrigued by the matchmaking cat as well. I have been trying to figure him out but so far…no luck.
I was very happy that this book had a different set of villians than to last two. I am really enjoying where the story arc is going and I am very interested to see what happens in the next book with Faith and the rest of the gang.
Joy Justice (JJ) has had a rough life. She doesn’t have anyone that she can count on and when she meets Bernardo ad Tormeo (Nardo) she doesn’t think she can trust him much less love him. As she learns about Nardo and the Guardians of the Race she discovers things about herself and her past that could come between her and her future.
Nardo has watched his Liege Lord and fellow Guardian Nico find their mates and he wants nothing more than to find a woman of his own. When he meets JJ he finds her strength and honor compelling and quickly falls for her. As he fights through the barriers her past has erected he discovers a love that he has only imagined.
I really enjoyed the role reversal in this story. Nardo falls for JJ quickly and has to convince her to give him a chance and believe in him. JJ has blanks in her memory and they cause her to have panic attacks and not trust what Nardo says and how he acts. He has to work extra hard to earn her love. I liked the fact that Nardo didn’t shy away from his feelings for JJ and was up front with her from the beginning that he wanted to be with her. On the other hand, once you learn about JJ’s past and learn more about her, it’s understandable why she is resistant to the idea of being in a relationship with anyone.
Once again the secondary characters where great. They added a lot of depth and humor to the story. I am loving the little pieces we get of the couples from the past books. I like to see how their lives have progressed. I will say that I was surprised by how much time had passed for the characters. It is mentioned in this book that it had been two years since the Liege Lord mated and his was the first book. It isn’t really relevant to this review but I was just surprised that so much time had passed. But given the developments in this story with the Liege Lords funds and other events, that passage of time makes sense. I am very intrigued by the matchmaking cat as well. I have been trying to figure him out but so far…no luck.
I was very happy that this book had a different set of villians than to last two. I am really enjoying where the story arc is going and I am very interested to see what happens in the next book with Faith and the rest of the gang.
April 5, 2016
Continues to be fun!
This whole series is a lot fun. The characters and their interactions as they fight off evil are entertaining and filled with warmth. The three books have been a delight offering pure escapism and yet reinforcing values like love and family as the variety of personalities learn to live together. I wasn't sure whether the author could keep it up but she didn't disappoint in any way. JJ and Nardo are just gorgeous with their human doubts which in no way prevent love from growing, and cementing their lives within the family group. This is a great series, it is a nice series where the pleasure of reading is always present and that is what a reader wants. Great fun, great reading and I hopes it continues.
This whole series is a lot fun. The characters and their interactions as they fight off evil are entertaining and filled with warmth. The three books have been a delight offering pure escapism and yet reinforcing values like love and family as the variety of personalities learn to live together. I wasn't sure whether the author could keep it up but she didn't disappoint in any way. JJ and Nardo are just gorgeous with their human doubts which in no way prevent love from growing, and cementing their lives within the family group. This is a great series, it is a nice series where the pleasure of reading is always present and that is what a reader wants. Great fun, great reading and I hopes it continues.
April 27, 2016
Well
The first book was really great . The sex could have been omitted somewhat. This book I had to skip a whole chapter because of the sex ,prob and when I started the third book the sex started as well . Indeed , if I wanted to read prob I would have bought a prob book . It is a shame too as these stories are quite good but I will never know the last to or any of her other books as reading only half a book is a waste .
The first book was really great . The sex could have been omitted somewhat. This book I had to skip a whole chapter because of the sex ,prob and when I started the third book the sex started as well . Indeed , if I wanted to read prob I would have bought a prob book . It is a shame too as these stories are quite good but I will never know the last to or any of her other books as reading only half a book is a waste .
October 6, 2021
I thought we might meet the police-officer from Guardian's Hope - and doing so in this book was another good read.
Interesting 'baddies' in this, I found them both believable and properly unpleasant!
Interesting 'baddies' in this, I found them both believable and properly unpleasant!
January 30, 2016
3.5 stars
still good, but Joy wasn't my favorite of the series
still good, but Joy wasn't my favorite of the series
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews